1906: Will Prior is in self-imposed exile on a South Pacific island, working a small, failing plantation. Hauptmann Kessler, the local government representative, approaches Will with a request for his help. On a neighbouring island inhabited by a cultish group who believe that sun worship and eating only coconuts will bring them eternal life, someone has died in suspicious circumstances. Kessler has been tasked with uncovering the real reason for his demise.